Warriors Hope To Control Ball

December 04, 1993|By TONY ANTHONY Daily Press

Nansemond River coach Jerry Varacallo hopes his football team (10-2) does two things today against Park View (9-3) in the Group AA Division 4 semifinals - put points on the board and control the football.

``That's exactly what our kids have done in the last two games, and we came away with convincing victories,'' said Varacallo, whose Warriors host Park View today at 1:30 p.m. at Arrowhead Stadium.

The Warriors rushed for more than 280 yards in their victory over Brunswick two weeks ago and 316 yards in last week's 28-0 victory over Tabb.

``Our offensive line has really opened some big holes for our backs,'' said Varacallo. ``Park View is a lot like Tabb in terms of size, but they're also quick.''

The Warriors' big ground threat is running back Torrance Bryant, who has carried the ball 141 times for 1,069 yards. Bryant leads the Warriors with 72 points.

Teammate Shannon Eley, a running back, has carried 91 times for 604 yards.

Quarterback Leon Porter has completed 49 of 125 passes for 717 yards. He has also rushed for 601 yards.

``From what I've seen of Nansemond River, they have a very balanced team,'' said Coach Mickey Thompson of Park View, whose Patriots have made the playoffs seven of the last 10 years. ``We're hoping our kids continue to play up to their abilities in the playoffs.''

The Patriots like to run the football, and have two backs who have picked up the bulk of their yardage. Fullback Joe Reeves has rushed for 1,400 yards while Jerome Lardy has rushed for 900 yards.

``We plan to stick with what we've been doing all season on offense, and that's running the football,'' said Thompson.

PLAYOFF GAMES

* WHO: Park View-Sterling at Nansemond River in state Group AA Division 4 semifinal.